Huffhike

As the Appalachian Trail gets closer, it feels appropriate to finally update where I’m at. Both mentally and logistically, as well as what I’ll be bringing on the trail. Part of my motivation in these blogs is to provide people a free and ad free blog that showcases what Im doing. Just in case someone someday uses these blog posts as a reference point, as I have done in the past. 

Right now, I’m in what I’d call the waiting phase. As everyone knows, and as Tom Petty famously sang, “the waiting is the hardest part.” Some days I feel nothing but excitement and the thrill of chasing this dream. Other days, I’m filled with self-doubt and a strange internal feeling that I’m doing something “wrong” or “irresponsible.” But both of those feelings are fair, and both are valid. At the end of the day, I think that tension is proof that I’m doing something worth doing.

So where am I at?

From a work perspective, I know I’m approved to take a five-month unpaid sabbatical. Over the next three months, I know I need to be more intentional with how I use my time at work. Instead of annoying my bosses or watching traffic and hawks, I need to focus on preparing my coworkers for my absence. I need to fully articulating what I do and how I do it, so things continue to run smoothly while I’m gone.

On a personal level, I still need to book my flight down to Georgia. I need to start getting my body accustomed to longer miles and more weight on my back. I also need to call hostels and a few stores along the trail to make sure they’re still open and accepting hiker resupply packages.

The exciting part of the waiting phase is knowing that every day I take a metaphorical step closer to the start of the trail. Most of those steps are small, but they’re still steps. Boxes are packed. Gear is purchased. And now, the blog is written.

That brings me to gear. Thankfully, at this point outside of shoes and minor gear, I already own and have fully confidence in each piece of gear that Im bringing and own. 

But the beauty and care of the hiking community helped me purchase some gear at a discount. On that front a special shoutout to Jollygear, Sawyer Squeeze, Huega House, and Jereko Gear. Each company either gave me gear or discounts towards gear. 

Big 3:

• Tent: Hyperlite Mid 1
• Bag: Hyperlite Junction Black 55L Tall
• Sleeping bag: Revelation Quilt 850FP by Enlightened Equipment

Sleep System: 

• Pad: Thermarest NeoAir XLite 
• Pad: Gossamer Gear Thinlight Foam Pad 
• Pillow: Trekology Pillow

Food system: 

• Bear bag: Food Bag (Hill Top Packs)
• Pot: TOAKS Titanium 900ml
• Stove: BRS 3000T Stove
• Spoon: snow speak spork 

Water: 

• Bottle: 2 smart bottles 
• Filter: Sawyer Squeeze 
• Dirty water bag: Cnock Water bag 2L 

Clothing: 

• Pants: Long Underwear, shorts, sweatpants (various brands) 
• Top: Jolly Gear Triple Crown Button Down Long Sleeve
• Sweater: Senchi A90
• Jacket: Men’s Ghost Shadow Hooded Jacket
• Rain jacket: Outdoor Research Helium Rain Jacket
• Hat: Huega House Grey Nylon Hat
• Winter Hat: SmartWool Unisex-Adult Thermal Merino Reversible Cuffed Beanie
• Winter Gloves: Smartwool Merino Gloves, Breathable Merino Wool Touchscreen Compatible For Men and Women

Devices / Miscellaneous :

• Garmin In-Reach Mini
• Amazon Kindle
• Soundcore by Anker Space A40
• Skullcandy Wired earbuds
• Anker USB C Charger Block, 33W 2 Port Compact Charger
• Anker Portable Charger, 325 Power Bank
• Miscellaneous cords
• NightCore NU21 headlamp
• First Aid Kit
• Face cloth
• Pocket Knife
• Cork Ball